Jason Torbitt

One guy I know is trying to sell his, because he can't stay "in it" for more than 3 or 4 minutes, and complains that he can't get a steady shot because of the strain.

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That sounds strange, I suppose wearing a Steadicam is a different experience for different people, but if you have it set up correctly there should be no problems like that. I know an Op here in the UK who has been doing Steadicam for some 12 years now. He's working most days in a week and pulls off some of the most challenging shots on live TV I've seen. He's still going strong and doing a great job.

I can imagine when you are doing it for years on end then it would take its toll on your body eventually, but to suffer those sorts of pains sounds like the rig hasn't been set up properly, probably at the socket block. The golden rule I've always been told is "if it doesn't feel right, put it down" which makes sense!

Of course now we have these backmounted vests which are brilliant and give your back so much support. Definatly on my ever-lengthening shopping list!

They're plenty bright enough, I've been outside on a bright summer's day with one and there's no problems with seeing the image. You can also pick up a sun hood for it if you want.

Depending on what model you buy, some also have tally lights built in to the top, just above the screen, which is useful.

Overall, nice and bright, and worth the investment if you prefer green screen over colour LCDs.

I also have a Bebob Zoe III zoom controller, they almost seem designed just for us, it fits around the grip nicely, it is just the right size. Plus you can get away with buying 1 unit and then buying different convertor cables so you can use it with different lenses.

The AR certainly looks impressive. From looking at that footage, it looks like a lightweight rig to operate, as mentioned it is a small sized video camera being used with an LCD monitor. Will be useful for the new breed of lightweight HD cameras as also mentioned in this thread. The most important feature of the AR is the breaking down of low mode and regular operating, opening up new possibilities of different shots and sequences (and saving more time when shooting and setting up for the shot)

Here in the UK, G-Cam and D-Cam and other Radio Cameras are standard, the BBC have their own Digital Radio Camera which they use. Also popular are D-Cam 'Clip On' units which attach to the back of cameras on the V-lock.

Much better than dragging triax around behind you.

Oh, and if you're looking for a standard video link, Marell manufacture a good one. ( www.marell.co.uk )

The arm almost looks fire damaged...as for the post, it looks like its been used as a baseball bat

Hi all in Steadicam world?

 

This in kind of a weird question but has anyone ever had there rig painted? Dose Tiffen, Gpi, Mk-v or anyone else do such a thing or have you heard of anyone who dose?  :blink:

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I assume you mean you want to restore your rig to remove scratches etc? I know you can get your arm re-adonized if that helps

There's also a photo in Blaine Brown's book on Cinematography

Hello Mark,

I have sent you a couple of emails attempting to answer your other questions, I had one network reply saying that sending "had been delayed", I tried again and haven't had anything back, so it should have sent. Bad luck with the DVD.

Diego, looks like you bid on the DVD anyway ;)

Eric, the best way to buy one is to keep checking on Ebay. Copies come up from time to time...It is available from one company in the US, I forget the name of it, but do an internet search for 'Advanced Steadicam Techniques' and it comes up.

Cheers

I thought this was the most suitable place to post this. For any new or aspiring operators, this DVD is a good watch. Jerry Holway presents it, it covers all the usual stuff. Something good to have in your collection.

Have a look if you're in the UK and interested:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...ssPageName=WDVW

Cheers

P.s. I've kept my identity secret as I don't want to ruin my name by joining in stupid silly arguments

Voice of reason

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Two points:

A - Why hide your identity? In some ways that's worse than anything else, it's just childish. If you have a point of view on an issue, then say it. Nobody respects someone like this. (Plus it degrades the quality of this forum)

B - It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out who you are anyway

On the Anton Bauer issue, it is understandable why they would choose to protect their revenue, from a business point of view. Rob is correct by saying it is forcing their mount onto consumers. It isn't neccesserily better than PAG or anything else, but by removing the option of compatible chargers, AB is protecting its own best interests by forcing consumers to purchase their chargers.

It's annoying, but it's also understandable, as Michael points out.

Try Allan Chapman & James insurance...

www.acjltd.co.uk

I've never used fingerless gloves, but I do wear normal gloves from time to time when it's very cold and I want to be able to feel my fingers!

I did a short film last year underground in some old prison cells and stone walled corridors. It was a weird sensation, whilst being boiling hot as usual and sweating up with the Steadicam on, at the same time I couldn't feel my fingers or toes that well as it was freezing cold down there, hence the gloves.

I don't much see the point of fingerless gloves, as it's your fingers that get coldest, but they are exposed with fingerless gloves.

out of interest, why did you do the optex course as opposed the SOA one, was it a money or time issue.. im just trying to weigh up all the issues.. and how much experince did you have..?

 

thanks

 

danny

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I did the Optex workshop, which was fantastic and really enjoyable, but I still plan to go to an SOA Workshop. The SOA course may cost a lot, bearing in mind I am in the UK and I have to get there too, but they are longer, more intensive and highly regarded. Plus you get to work with some great operators, and any workshop you choose to do is great for practice purposes. The more practice, the better operator you become.

If you are in the UK, the Optex course is a good place to start things off if you want to get into Steadicam.

I do like working with an assistant - it can be a two man job at times. The last guy I worked with did a really good job, I'm sure he won't mind me saying so. I prefer to be able to set the rig up myself so I know exactly what is going on. I like to have someone who can guide me when walking backwards, cable bashing where neccessary, and on hand with the water bottle and docking stand when needed!

As you say, anticipation is important - if you are struggling with anything, then having someone at hand who knows what to do to solve the problem is important.

Having a regular assistant, or even being given a dedicated crew member to assist you by the production company, is a luxury as you say. As is finding someone who knows about Steadicam in enough detail.

I own a copy of 'Advanced Steadicam Techniques' on DVD (incidentally it won't play on my DVD player, but it will on my PC). I think it is a good thing to have in your collection. It covers setting up the rig, balancing, some ideas for sequences etc - everything you would expect to cover in a workshop yourself. There are a few good tips and things to remember, although if you are already a successful Steadicam operator, there won't be much on it that is new to you. It isn't difficult to grasp (assuming you know what a Steadicam is :D ) I remember someone saying that they would like to have a workshop with Jerry Holway having seen this DVD, I have to agree with them.

Happy New Year to you all - may it be a successful 2005 for us around the world. As mentioned, lets not forget those who have found themselves in this terrible situation around Asia. Lets help them put things back together.

Merry Christmas to you all, and a successful new year. :D

Well, it works fantastically! Working outside is no problem at all - the LED is easily bright enough for it to be seen outside, which is the main concern. It's easy to concentrate on framing and the light is easily visible out of the corner of your eye. I mounted it just at the top of the monitor over the centre of the screen with a bit of gaffer tape and it worked fine. Plenty of cable to get from the rear of the camera down to my monitor and it's nice and lightweight, which makes it no problem to my operating.

I have a sun visor on the way shortly for the monitor, so when it arrives I plan to make a small hole that I can poke the LED through and mount it to the underneath of the visor, over the monitor - which should look fanastic and work brilliantly!

I'm pleased to report that I will soon be a proud owner of a Peter Abraham tally light :)

Thanks very much guys, email has been sent to Peter Abraham!

It would be a great idea to get a website going for them. I've been trawling the web looking for such a site for ages. It might only be a niche market, but every Steadicam Op needs one and by all accounts it's a top class product!

Thanks again to you all

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a tally light kit that I can have on my Steadicam monitor, running a photocell cable or whatever down from the camera. If anyone has one complete with cable and power for it if needed, or knows where I can find one I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Jason

Practice is really important. I was on the course this time last year. Time flies...

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How did you finance your rig ? if you don't mind me askin.

 

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I'm sure you'll have heard of Egg Finance? They're pretty good and have quite low rates.

Have a good time guys, the course is excellent - it teaches you so much but yet it only touches the surface! Every time I use my rig I learn more. Practice is really important. I was on the course this time last year. Time flies...